Machine for making doll shoes



Jan. 8, 1957 J. E. EcKsTRoM 2,776,444

MACHINE vFOR MAKING DOLL SHOES Filed May l, 1953- 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNES Jan. 8, 1957 J. E. ECKSTROM MACHINE FOR MAKING DOLL. SHOES Filed May l, '1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 JOHN E. ECKSTROM ATTOR NEYS Jan. 8, 1957 J. E. ECKSTROM 2,776,444

MACHINE FOR MAKING DOLL SHOES Filed May l, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 LEFT FOOT PEDAL el BUILT IN BLEEDER 0 INVENTOR. JOHN E. EcKsTRoM BY I MT .ATTORNEYS RIGHT FOOT PEDAL 8| BUILT IN BLEEDER Jan. 8, 1957 J. E. EcKsTRoM 2,776,444

MACHINE FOR MAKING DOLL. SHOES Filed May 1, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

' JOHN E. ECKSTROM ya@ Vulu ATTO RN EY S United States Patent O M MAcmNl: Fok MAKING DOLL sHoEs John E. Eckstmm, Derma, Mich.

Application May 1, 1953, Serial No. 352,390

1o claims. (cl. 12-12) My invention relates to shoe machinery and more particularly to `a machine for the making of miniature shoes `such as doll shoes.

Doll shoes and .the like are made up principally of a Vamp, an inner sole and 4an vouter sole, and these parts are generally glued together. They are generally made by hand, the operators becoming quite skilled in thei-r manufacture. However, because of the sea-sonable natu-re of this business, it is quitecustoma-ry with such manufacturers to break in quite a number of unskilled workers every year, and it takes several weeks for an operator to become skilled in the art of hand manufacture of these doll shoes. Many operators have proposed machines for the making of doll shoes, but no satisfactory machine has as yet been produced for the manufacture of these doll shoes. The general shoe making machinery while now completely mechanized, is not adaptable to the making of doll shoes, and of course a fu-lly automatic machine is not desirable for several reasons.

lt is an object of my present invention lto avoid the many diiculties in the making of miniature shoes, such as doll shoes, by constructing a semi-automatic machine in which many of the complicated mechanisms of the modern shoe machinery art have been eliminated, but which will enable an operator to skillfully make doll shoes with a minimum of training and .to produce such shoes in quantity faster than is possible with the hand methods employed today.

In machine made shoes of :this type, it is diicult to stretch and smooth the vamp over the inner sole of the shoe to which it is to be secured without employing the complicated mechanisms which have been developed for the manufacture of shoes for humans. A further object of the present invention is to build a machine made doll shoe or the like by a semiautomatic machine having simplified parts and mechanisms, economical and easy to operate, but which serves to uniformly fold over and stretch the shoe vamp over the inner sole of the shoe without creasing or otherwise bunching up the folded over vamp por-tion.

For a more detailed understanding lof my invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which like characters refer -to like parts lthrough-out the several views, and in which Fig. 1 is a Vertical sectional view of the machine, showing the shoe last in a raised position with the vamp and -inner sole assembled thereon. t

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine showing the -side and end pressure plates in a retracted posi-tion and the sh-oe last lowered into position within the pressure plate assembly.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of ythe pressure plate assembly looking in the direction of the arrows on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the pressure plate assembly looking in the direction of the arrows on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2.

2,776,444 Patented Jan. 8, 1957 ICC Fig. 5 is an exploded detail view of a shoe vamp and linner sole assembly on a last and showing how the outer sole is .applied thereto.

Fig. 6 is a detail transverse sectional view through the completed shoe.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic View of :the hydraulic system for actuating the machine.

Fig. 8 is za fragmentary plan view showing an intermediate part of the assembly .and particularly illustrating how the toe and heel portions of the vamp are progressively folded over the inner sole and secured thereto.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan View of the machine showing the sides of the vamp being folded over and secured to the inner sole of the shoe.

Fig. 10 is a similar fragmentary plan view of the machine showing `the t-oe `and heel portions of the vamp being folded over and secured vto the inner sole of the shoe.

Figs. 11 and 12 are detailed sectional views taken respectively on the lines 11-11 and 12-12 of Fig. 9,

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line 13-13 of Fig. l0.

Fig. llis a plan View of the shoe last showing the adjustable heel section extended .and the toe clamp in locked position on the shoe vamp.

Fig. 15 is a similar plan View of the shoe last showing the adjustable heel section retracted and toe clamp in released position preparatory to receiving the vamp of the shoe.

Fig. 16 is a verti-cal longitudinal sectional View taken on the line 16-16 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a vertical longitudinal sectional View taken on the line 17-17 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a vertical end View of the sh-oe last showing the vamp in position thereon in dotted lines,

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic section through a master control valve, referred to hereafter as Logan #6245 master control valve, and i Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic section through a bleeder valve, referred to hereafter as Logan l#6270 bleeder valve.

The preferred construct-ion illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises a last lil mounted on a post or ram 11. A machine frame structure 12 supports all operable parts of the machine and the guides 14 are supported from the frame 12 -by posts 15. A pair of side pressure plates 16 and toe and heel plates 17 and 18 respectively are supported by the guides 14. The guides 14 yare provided with a 'central space 19, through which `the last struc-ture 10 is projected, this last structure 10 being mounted on the postor ram 111 which is selectively raised and lowered to respectively elevate lthe last structure 10 `as shown in Fig. 1 and to then lower same into the recess or opening 19 into operable position wherein the upper face ofthe last structure is located parallel with and sligh-tly below the under :surface of the slides 16, 17 and 18, so that as the slides are advanced, they will press yagainst the folded over vamp and sole.

While `the last structure is disposed in an elevated position, the assemble-d vamp 20 of the doll shoe is mounted on the last structure, the marginal portion 29a of the vamp projecting slightly above the upper surface of the -last structure 16. The inner sole 21 of the shoe is laid onto this upper surface of lthe last and the vamp is clamped to the last by means shown more in detail in Figs. 14 to 18 inclusive.

This clamping means comprises an eccentric or cam element 22 initially positioned as shown in Fig. l5. This cam element comprises an upper cam portion 22a and a lower cam portion 22b and is rotatably supported by spindle 22e. In Figs. 15 and 17 the cam portion 22a is in a retracted position and cam portion 22b lis advanced to engage a pin 23 pushing same against the arm 24 of bell crank 25, the other arm 26 of the bell crank being forced away from engagement with the toe of the laststructure .10. The Vamp .20 is thus easily Aslipped into,position` onto .this .lastv structure .and whenproperly positioned, the cam element 22 is rotatedlSOdegrees by .handle .22d.into the,position shown in Figs. -l4.and 16, the cam portion 22a engaging the vamp. andstretching same tauton saidlaststructure, .and the .cam.22b.is moved away lfrom pin 23 allowing same to retracnand therebypermitting the bell crank actuatedby spring 25A to move. so as to bring the. arm 26 into clamping engagement with the toe portion of the vamp to thereby .-addi tionally clampthe toeportionof thevarnp to the last structure 110. .The inner sole .21,is then laid onto .the top face .'27 ofthe last with themoistened glued face upward. The last structure 10 ,withthe vamp .20 and innersole 21 -assembled thereon is now loweredinto operative position as .above setforth by means .of an hydraulic actuating device 28, the frame .12 carrying a table or other suitable plate structure 29 serving to aecu rately locate thelast structure 1() in operative position.

The upstanding marginal portion Ztlaof the vamp is now in readiness to be vfolded over andpressed ontothe moistened glued face of the inner sole. 'The rst -step in this nal assembly is to advance the side pressure plates -16, .both side plates 16being simultaneouslyadvanced to fold over the side portions ofthe projecting vamp margin onto the inner sole (see Figs. 8, 9.and l1). Fig. 8 shows in accurate detail, this specic operation 4and it will be noted that theextreme 'forward corners of these side pressure plates 16 are slightly projected as -at .16a and the-under face'is slightly beveled as at 16b (see Fig. 12). Thus the major portion of the vamp margin a at the side of theshoe iscompletely folded over and secured to the inner sole-21of the shoe, but at the extreme end, asat 16C, the-vamp is onlypartially secured to the sole. These side pressure. plates .are advanced and retracted by means of suitablehydraulically actuated devices 40.

Next, the side pressure plates 16 are retracted and the toe and heel pressure plates 17 and 1S are advanced (see Figs. 9, 10 and 13). The forward edge of both toe and heel pressure plates are concave in plan, the curvature beingsuch as -to provide for the corners or points'17a4 and 18a to first engage the shoe vampA (see Fig.` 8). It will be notedthatthese points rst engage the vamp at the point where same has been onlyrpartially folded over ontothe inner sole, and as said toe andv heel plates are advanced, the vamp margin is,pro gressively Vfolded over with a generally circular and radial motion serving to substantially smooth out any wrinkles that may have a tendency to form, and the. last part of the vamp to be folded over and secured to the sole is that part at the center of the toe and heel. .This action, in effect, is a wiping and stretching action and provides a nished product. The toe and heel plates .are now retracted. The shoe last is now raised to theposition shown in Fig. 1, and then the press member is pressed down onto the assembly to secure the outer sole to the shoe and then retracted, thus completing the assembly. The cam element 22 carried by said shoe lastis now actuated to release the completely. assembled shoe from the last structureso that same can be manually removed in readiness for another operational cycle.

Fig. 7 illustrates Vone means for'efectively carrying out the various sequences of operations described rabove, which comprises a conventional compressed air control equipment, and consists of two separate cycles.

In .the first cycle, the cylinders A, B, C, D andE are controlled andactivated bymeans of the right foot pedal assembly-60, the. built-in bleeder valve of the foot pedal assembly,` `the' bleeder-.valves Q,.P,M, Ngand' O, and the master controlvalves. 65, l0v and;75. .In thesecond cycle,;the.cylinder. F.is.controlled and-activated'by means of the left foot pedal 61, the built-in bleeder valve ofthe said'foot pedal, andthe master control valve 80. The normal position for the various air cylinders are as follows: the piston rod for cylinders B, C, D, E and F are disposed in the innermost or retracted position, and the piston rod for the cylinder A is in the outermost or advanced position.

The master control valvesf65, and 75 are of conventional t construction and V'may ybe 'procured at l most industrial and commercial valve supply houses. The particular master control-valves used-'infthis construction are those known Aas Logan #.6245 .master control valve as shown in Catalog Bulletin #371, copyrighted 1939 by the Logansport 'Machine'4 Company, 40 Payson Road, Logansport, Indiana. The bleeder valves Q, P, M, N and O are also of conventional construction, and are known as Logan #6270 bleeder valve, procurable also, from. the same. company.

As Vshown in Fig. l, thelconstruction. f the swing cams G,'H and'K, comprises a cam arm"90, pin mounted on a coupling element 92 threadedly axed to lthe piston rod end '94 of the-cylinders A, B and E. `The cam arm 90 in each instance is arranged on the coupling 92 in such a manner'that it will,4 glide over the "bleeder valve M, O, or P as the piston rod moves forward, and will engage and release 'the'blee'der valve as the piston ro'd retracts.

On the ends ofpiston rods' 96 of `cylinders C and D, the coupling elements "98 are arranged with a lug 100 which is adapted to engage and release' the bleeder valves Q and N as the piston4 rod moves forward.

The Vfirst cycle of operation is started by depressing the right foot pedal to activate the built in bleeder valve, shifting the piston-'of the master control valve'GS from one end to the.` other and causing the piston in cylinder A to move downward.

As the piston in cylinder A approaches the end of its downward stroke, .the swing cam .G .activates .bleeder valve M, shifting thejpiston of the master controlvalve 70 from one end to the other and causing the pistons in cylinders B and D which operatethe side pressure plates 116, to move inwardly. As'the pistons in cylinders Band D move inward,'the"swing cam H passes over the bleeder valve O and does not activate it.

At the end kofthe inward stroke of 'thepistons in .cylinders Band D, the cam I activates bleedervalve lN, shifting-the piston of themaster control valve"70 toits original'position'and causingthe :pistons in cylinders B and D to returny totheir'originalpositions.

As the'pistonsin cylindersB' andD return totheir original -positions, the swing `cam lH activates bleeder valve- O, shifting the piston of"themaster control valve .75 'from-one end `to Ithe yother*and-cafusing-the pistons in cylinders C and E, which'respectively operate the toe land heel pressure plates or slides'17 andl, tomove inward. As thepistons in cylinders C and-E move inward, the swing cam'Kfpasses over the bleeder valve`P and doesnot activate it.

At the end of the inward stroke oftheVA pistons in cylinders 'C.andE, the cam-I activates theI bleeder valve Q, shifting the -piston ofthe mastercontroll valvef lto its original positionand causing-the pistons in cylinders' C and E to return to their original positions.

As the pistons incylindersC and E return to -their original positions, the swing cam Kactivates bleeder valve P, shifting the piston ofthe `master control.` valvc''to its original position and causing the-pistons in cylinder A to return to its originalposition,v thusraising'the last structure tothe position illustrated inF ig. 1.

The second cycle of the operation is started -bydepressing the'fleft foot pcdalfl. 'As the foot pedal is'depressed, the built-in-'bleeder valve of theffoot` pedal is'activated, shifting the piston of the master control valvetlffrom `onaend'tothe other and causing the-'piston in cylinderF, whichuactuates the press memberS() to move downward. After the completion of the downward stroke of the pist-on in cylinder F, the foot pedal is released and the built-in bleeder valve of the foot pedal is activated, shifting the master control valve 80 to its original positionand causing the piston in cylinder F to return to its original position. The `second cycle of operation is thus completed.

It will be noted that both sides `of the bleeder valve for the left foot pedal `61 are used for actuation of the master control valve 80, whereas `one side of all the other bleeder valves is plugged `as shown in Fig. 20, since two separate bleeder valves are utilized for actuation of each of the master control valves 65, 70 and 75.

Referring to Fig. 20, the bleeder valve -comprises a housing structure 100 having a central bore 101 in which a guide member 1132 is secured. A plunger assembly 103 -comprising an operating button 104, a shaft 105, and la piston 106 is mounted in the bore. A `spring 107 tends to separate the piston 106 from the guide member 102, but this force is normally overcome by a larger spring 108 separating the operating button 104 from the guide member 102. rl`wo control valve ports, 109 and 110, yand a bleed port 111, are provided in the housing structure 100. Ports 109 and 110 communicate with the central bore 101 respectively through passages 109a and 110a. The bleed port 111 is open directly into kthe central bore 101. In the normal position shown in Fig. 20, the bleed port 111 is thus communicating with port 109. All the bleeder valves except the one for foot pedal 61 have `a plug 115", so that the normal position of Ithe valves will be closed. The valve associated with foot pedal 61 does not have the plug, the port 109 being suitably connected with the control valve 80 as shown in Fig. 7. When the operating button 104 is actuated, either by a foot pedal or a cam, the shaft 105 moves downward. The piston 106 is forced downward by the spring 107 and blocks Iof the passage 109a. The shaft 105 -then continues moving to open up a -central port 106:1 through the piston 106. Thus the bleed port 111 will be in communication with the port 110, which is connected tothe control valve.

Referring to Fig. 19, the control valve comprises Ya housing structure 125 having a central chamber 12511 in which a piston guide member 126 is secured. A Aspool piston assembly 127 is slidably mounted in the chamber 125a. An air pressure inlet 128, passage 12ga, two pressure outlet ports 129 and 130, and two bleed ports 131 and 132 are provided in the housing structure 125 'as illustrated. The bleed ports 131 and 132 of control valve 80 are respectively connected to bleeder valve ports 109 and 110 of the bleeder valve operated by the foot pedal 61. The bleed ports 131 and 132 of the other control valves are connected to the port 110 of their respective bleeder valves.

In operation, pressure entering the port 128 will be ported through passages 128:1 -to actuate the spool piston assembly 127 toward either port 131 or 132, depending on the actuation of the bleeder valve opening a passage for air escape through the port 111 land causing a differential between the ends of the piston 127. Air pressure passes through a passage 133 in the guide member 126 to an inner annular passage 134 around the spool piston 127 and then through a passage 135 or 136 to the -respective port 129 or 130, depending on the position of the piston assembly 127. Air pressure is thus directed to the appropriate port of the actuating cylinders shown in Fig. 7.

While l have described in detail but one preferred form of construction, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention pertains that various changes and modications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

1 claim:

l. in a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and the like, a shoe last for supporting a shoe upper in such a position that the edges of said shoe upper project above lthe top peripheral edge of said shoe last and for supporting a shoe sole on the top face thereof bounded by said projecting shoe upper portion, and means for folding over and securing said projecting shoe upper portion onto said shoe sole comprising a side pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward said shoe last and partially overlay the shoe last at the innermost limit of their travel and subsequently retracted after having folded over and secured said projecting shoe upper portion to the shoe sole, and a second pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward lthe toe and heel portions of 4said shoe last after said side pair -of plates has been retracted and to partially overlay the toe and heel portions of the shoe last at the innermost limit of their ytravel to secure the toe and heel portions respectively -of said shoe upper to the toe and heel portions of said sole, said innermost travel of said second pair of sliding pressure plates respectively extending to partially overlap the previous innermost travel of said side pair of sliding pressure plates, the inner edges of said second pair of pressure plates being concave in plan `and constructed to first engage the shoe upper at the side of the shoe and to progressively fold over and secure lsuccessive upper portions extending towards the center of the toe and heel portions thereof.

2. In a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and the like, a shoe last for supporting a shoe upper in such a position that `the edges of said shoe upper project above the top peripheral edge of said shoe last and for supporting a shoe sole on the top face thereof bounded by said projecting shoe upper portion, and means for folding over and securing said projecting shoe upper portion onto said shoe sole comprising a side pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward said shoe iast and partially overlay the shoe last at the innermost limit of their travel and subsequently retracted after having folded over and secured said projecting shoe upper portion to the shoe sole, and a second pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward the toe and heel portions of said shoe last after said side pair of plates has been retracted and to partially overlay the toe and heel portions of the shoe last at the innermost limit of their travel to secure the toe and heel portions respectively of said shoe upper to the toe and heel portions of said sole, said innermost travel of said second pair of sliding pressure plates respectively extending to partially overlap the previous innermost travel of said side pair of sliding pressure plates, the inner edges of said side pair of pressure plates having projecting tips at each inside corner and beveled on the under side at said inside corners, and the inner edges of said second pair of pressure plates being concave in plan and constructed to rst engage the shoe upper at the side of the shoe and to progressively fold over and secure successive upper portions extending towards the center of the toe and heel portions thereof.

3. In a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and the like, a shoe last for supporting a shoe upper in such a position that the edges of said shoe upper project above the top peripheral edge of said shoe last and for supporting a shoe sole on the top face thereof bounded by said projecting shoe upper portion, and means for folding over and securing said projecting shoe upper portion onto said shoe sole comprising a side pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward said shoe last and partially overlay the shoe last at the innermost limit of their travel and subsequently retracted after having folded over and secured said projecting shoe upper portion to the shoe sole, and a second pair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward the toe and heel portions of said shoe last after said side pair of plates has been retracted and to partially overlay the toe and heel portions of the shoe last at the innermost limit of their travel to secure the toe and heel portions respectively of said shoe upper to the toe and heel portions of said sole, said innermost travel of said second pair of sliding pressure plates respectively extending to partially overlap the previous innermost travel of said side pair of sliding pressure plates. the second pair of pressure plates having a concave curved madam i inner; edge: in plan 4and: ofamcurvatureito `tirstengage the shoeaupperatthesidetof the shoe and lto ysubsequently foldfover and smoothly ,secure said -projecting vamp portionsonto .the shoe sole vwith an inward and progressive peripheralitaction :and to-nally fold over and secure the upper lportion at the center ofthe toe and heel'portions thereof.

`l4. Inamachine for the manufacture of dollshoesand thef like, a-shoelast for supporting a shoeupper-in such a position'that the edges ofasaid shoe upper project above the top-peripheraledge-of said shoe last and for supporting a shoe sole on the `top face thereof bounded by said projecting shoe upper portion, and means for'folding over and securing saidl projecting shoe upper portion onto said shoe sole comprising asidepair of sliding pressure plates operable to advance toward said shoelast and partially ove'rlaygthe,shoelastat the innermost limit of their travel andsubsequently retracted after having folded over and secured said projecting .shoe upper portion to the shoe sole, and a second pair of sliding pressureplates operable to advance toward the toe and heel portions of Vsaid shoe lastafter said-side pair ofA plates has beenl retracted and to partially overlay the toe and heel portions of theshoe lastiat the inner most limit of their travel to secure the toe and heel portions respectively lof saidshoe upper to the toe and heel portions of saidjsole,said innermost travel of said second pair ofsliding-pressure vplates respectively extending to 4partially overlap 4the previous innermost travel-of said sidev pair of sliding pressure-plates, the `inner edges of said second pair of pressure plates being concave in plan and constructed to first engagez the shoe upperjat the side of the shoe and to progressively fold over and secure successive upper portions extending -towards' the center of. the toe and heel portions thereof, Vall said pressure plates being operable in the same horizontal plane.

5.`In a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and vthe like, a shoe lastfor supporting a shoel upper -in such a position that the edges of said'shoe upper'` project above the top peripheral edge of said shoe last and for supporting a yshoe sole von the topV face thereof bounded bysaid projecting .shoefupper'portiom andi-means for foldingfover and securing said projecting shoe upperportion ontosaid shoe sole comprising a side'pair of sliding pressure plates voperable to advance toward said 'shoe lastand -parti'ally overlay the shoe lastv at the innermost limit of their travel and subsequently retracted afterhaving folded overland secured said yprojecting lshoe upper portion=to the shoesole, anda second pair of sliding pressure plates operable toadvance towardthetoe and heel portions of saidshoe last after said side pair of plates has been retracted and to partiallyoverlay the toetand heel portions of the shoe last at the innermost limit vof their travel to .secure thettoe and heel portions respectively of said shoe upper to the toe and heel portions-of said sole, said innermost travel of said second pair of sliding pressure plates respectively extending to partially overlap the previous innermost travel ofsaid ,side pair of sliding pressure plates, theinner edges of said. second par'ofv pressure plates being concave inplan and constructed;to rst engage the shoe upper at the side of the shoe` andto progressively fold over and secure successive upper portions extending toward the. center of the toe andheel'portions thereof, all said pressure plates-being operable in the same horizontalplane, means supporting said shoe lastrabove` theplane of the pressure plates between cycles of the machine operation to permitassembly'ofthe shoe upper andsole on said last, and means operable :to lowerthe shoe last into an operative. positionto, substantiallyalign thetop face of said shoe vlast on ,whchsaid sole is mounted .with the plane of the under Sides of said; pressure plates.

-6. In' a machine V'for themanufacture'of doll shoesA and the like, `ashoetlast formounting a-fshoe vamp andan innersole to.which said rvamp ist0 be securedsaid1as t comprising ,an yextended undercut toe portion and an endwise,adjustable ,'heel portion, a clamping means operable toelamp the vamp to vsaid extended toe portion, and means connectedwith the aforesaid adjustableheel portionurging and holding said clamp out of clamping position on adjustmentpof the heel portion inwardly of thelast and releasing said clamp into clamping position on adjustment of the heel portion outwardly of the last.

7. Ina machine'for `the manufacture of doll shoes andthe like, ashoe last for mounting a shoe vamp and an inner sole to which said lvamp is to be secured, said last comprising an extended undercut toe portion and an endwise .adjustable heel portion, a clamping means operableto Yclamp the vamp to said extended toe portion, and-means` connected with the aforesaid adjustable heel portion urging and holding said clamp out of clamping position on adjustment of the -heel portion inwardly of the last and releasing said clamp into clamping position on adjustment of the heel portion outwardly of the last, said adjustableheel portion comprising an eccentric cam structure rotatably mounted on said last.

8. ln a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes andthe like,` a shoe last for mounting a shoe vamp and an inner sole to which said vamp is to be secured, said last comprising an extended undercut toe portion and an endwise adjustable heel portion, a clamping means operable to clamp the vamp to said extended toe portion, and meansconnected with the vaforesaid adjustable heel portiony urging and holding said clamp out of clamping position on-.adjustment of the heel portion inwardly of the lastv and releasing said clamp into clamping position onv adjustment of the heel portion outwardly of the last, saidadjustable heel portion comprising an eccentric cam structure having a stub shaft rotatably mounted vertically in said shoe last, an armvsecured to said shaft, a slot in said last through whichsaid armI projects, saidarm being movable manually to rotate the eccentric cam structure, said slot limiting the movement of said arm and so constructed and arrangedy to permit outward adjustment of said heel portion and the Yapplication of said toe clamp when the arm is at one end of the aforesaid slot and when said armis moved to the other end of the aforesaid slot to vadjust the heel portion inwardly and to release the clamp to `thereby release the vamp from said shoe last.

9. In a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and the like, a shoe last for mounting a shoe upper and an inner` sole to which said upper is to be secured, said last comprising an lextended` undercut toe portion and an endwise adjustable heel portion comprising a rotatable cam, aclamping means `operable to clamp the upper to said extended toe portion, means connected with the aforesaid adjustable heel portion urging and holding said clamp out of clamping position on adjustment of the heel portion inwardly of the last and further operable to release said clamp into clamping position on adjustment of the heel portion outwardly of the last, said means comprising a second cam operable simultaneously with said first cam and an intermediate actuator supported by said lasty and connecting said second cam with the clamping means, whereby to positively retract said clamp to a releaseposition on adjustment of said rst cam effecting an adjustment of said heel portion inwardly of the last to release the upper from said last.

.10. In a machine for the manufacture of doll shoes and the like, a shoe last for mounting a shoe upper and an inner sole to which said upper is to be secured, said last comprising lan extended undercut toe portion and an endwise adjustable heel portion comprising a first rotatable cam, a clamping means operable to clamp the upper to said extended toe portion, means `connected with the aforesaid adjustableheel portionurging and holding` said clamp outvof clamping position on adjustment ofthe heel portion inwardly of the last and further operable to release said clamp into clamping positionon adjustment ofthe heelportion outwardly of the last, said means comprising asecond cam operable simultaneously with said rst cam, and an intermediate actuator supported by said last and connecting said second cam with the clamping means, whereby to positively retract said clamp to a release position on adjustment of said {rst cam effecting an adjustment of said heel portion inwardly of the last to release the upper from said last, said clamp comprising a bell crank rotatably supported by said last, one arm of said bell crank clamp being engaged by said actuator and said other arm of said bell crank clamp engaging the toe portion of said last, and spring means urging said last mentioned arm of said bell crank clamp into clamping engagement with the ltoe portion of said last.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Stacey et al. Nov. 1l, 1952 Auman Dec. 28, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS Switzerland Feb. 1, 1921 Great Britain Oct. 15, 1931 France Aug. 21, 1912 Germany Feb. 19, 1935 

